The BURO Impact Awards celebrates the creativity, originality, passion, and accomplishments of Malaysia’s trailblazing talents. Ahead, we delve into conversation with our Designer of the Year, Masyadi Mansoor.
The Malaysian fashion scene is currently enjoying a renaissance, with fresh, innovative voices rising to prominence. Leading the charge is Masyadi Mansoor, the creative mind behind MSYD. As a fashion designer, he has redefined streetwear, unlocking the untapped potential of this niche aesthetic within our landscape.
With a sharp eye for detail and a distinct creative vision, he is carving out a unique space in the industry, blending street culture with high-end luxury. Read on to discover how Masyadi began his career and the impressive progress he continues to make.
Masyadi wears: Blazer, shirt and tie, all H&M. Trousers, shoes and cap, Talent’s own.
ART IN THE BLOOD
Growing up in Georgetown, Penang, Masyadi’s love for art began in childhood. “My brother and I would draw almost every night, challenging each other to see whose work our parents liked best,” he reminisces. He considers himself fortunate to have been raised in a family that not only nurtured his artistic talent but also recognised its potential—something far from common in many Asian households.
Even so, fashion wasn’t a part of the equation—at least not initially. A heartfelt conversation with his mother, a skilled seamstress, ultimately shifted his course. “She wanted someone to carry on her legacy, so I made the decision to follow in her footsteps,” he says. With a newfound purpose, he entered Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM), where he completed a diploma in Textile Design before earning a degree in Fashion Design.
It was here that his fascination for fashion truly began to take shape. “I was clueless at first, but I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. So, I joined competitions to get my footing in the industry,” he says. One pivotal moment was his participation in the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search in 2018. Though he didn’t reach the final five, the major competition led to his debut showcase at Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) the following year.
Masyadi wears: Jacket, MSYD.
THE ‘MSYD’ ERA
When the pandemic swept across the globe, it disrupted industries everywhere, and fashion was no exception. For Masyadi, who had just completed his degree before the lockdowns, the stay-at-home period became an unexpected gift—an opportunity to hone his sewing skills and develop his creative voice. By the time the world reopened, a renewed interest in homegrown labels had taken hold, and he seized the moment, launching his label, MSYD, in 2022.
Masyadi’s vision for his brand is anything but ordinary. When asked about his influences, he credits Kit Woo for opening his eyes to the world of streetwear. “I admire his work, but my goal isn’t to copy it—I want to reach the same level,” he reveals. Rick Owens, another major influence, remains a fixture on his mood board, subtly informing the evolving aesthetic of MSYD.
“I want to be loud through my collection,” he shares, driven by a passion for avant-garde designs. This distinctive direction has set his brand apart, with few exploring the same territory. His fearless originality has caught the attention of many, resulting in a growing demand for bespoke pieces, as clients eagerly seek out his one-of-a-kind creations.
He fondly remembers when the Malaysian girl group DeFam became the first celebrity to approach him through stylist Haida Yusof. “They wanted me to create looks for their Panas music video,” Masyadi recalls. From that point, it wasn’t long before other celebrities and local publications took notice of his work, all keen to showcase his unique designs.
With an appetite for success, Masyadi spread his wings further, showcasing his first full collection at CIMB Artober 2022. The show thrust him into the spotlight, paving the way for his first solo presentation at KLFW, where he boldly departed from his signature dark palette and embraced pastel shades. “I have a love-hate relationship with the collection,” he confesses, reflecting on the moments of uncertainty he experienced throughout the creative process. “But I’m glad people are enjoying it.” Each step forward reinforces that his designs aren’t just a passing trend; it’s charting the future of fashion.
Masyadi wears: Blazer, shirt and tie, all H&M. Trousers, shoes and cap, Talent’s own.
THE POWER OF MANIFESTATION
Masyadi’s collaboration with Nike earlier this year feels like the culmination of a dream he’s been openly expressing for months. In our one-hour phone call, he shared how he had been talking about his desire to team up with the legendary brand since the previous year. As fate would have it, an email soon landed in his inbox with the opportunity to work together. In partnership with Nike, Masyadi had the privilege of designing three looks, each drawing inspiration from the soles of their recent sneaker release, the Nike Air Max Dn.
Riding high on the momentum of his achievements, I couldn’t resist asking about his dream collaborations. His list could stretch for miles, but he narrowed it down to two iconic names: Moncler and Gentle Monster. “Designing puffer jackets with Moncler and creating cool sunglasses with Gentle Monster would be an absolute dream,” he shares with enthusiasm. It’s easy to see why these brands resonate with him—both embody the bold, fashion-forward style that MSYD is known for.
Masyadi wears: Jacket, MSYD.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
MSYD may be only two years old, but Masyadi has already learned a great deal. His biggest lesson? Confidence. “Never doubt your art. People questioned my decision at first, but you never know where it will take you, so just go for it,” he advises. While he has grown more certain of his creative direction, he recognises that luxury streetwear still has plenty of room for growth and exploration in the country.
One memorable moment came when he designed a vibrant, pillow-like outfit for singer Aina Abdul. The avant-garde piece received mixed reactions, especially from those unfamiliar with daring styles. “While I received a lot of compliments and genuine appreciation, there was also plenty of negative feedback,” he reflects. He hopes that as the industry matures, more people will learn to appreciate the unconventional.
With MSYD’s future looking promising, Masyadi has ambitious plans to elevate the brand even further. In the coming year, he intends to refine the brand’s presence and build a strong, cohesive team. His main priority is establishing a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success. One of his biggest aspirations is to host a fashion show in Malaysia that draws fashion industry leaders from all over the world. This dream goes beyond personal recognition—it’s about putting Malaysia on the global fashion map and giving homegrown talents the global spotlight they deserve.
More than just success for himself, Masyadi is deeply committed to empowering the talents of those who collaborate with him. “I want the people I work with—makeup artists, hairstylists, models—to evolve in their craft and feel like they’re advancing along with the brand.” To him, the real success lies in building a community that can grow, evolve, and push boundaries together.
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CREDITS
Editor-In-Chief / JASON LIM. Creative Direction and Styling / SARAH TAI. Text and Interview / BENEDICT UNANG. Art Direction Assisted by / EVE LYN LAU. Photography / CHAM ZIHAO | MÒ SHĒNG RÉN. Assisted by / SAIFUL AZWAN. Videography / DENNIS KHO. Makeup / AYANG KAMELL FOR YSL BEAUTY. Hair / MAY WOO FOR SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL.
Check out the 2024 BURO Impact Award winners here.
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